At Groei Education, we believe in shaping the future by empowering young people with the skills and confidence to thrive. We’re building purple people, future leaders with the creativity, adaptability, and human skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world. This week, we celebrate a huge milestone, our Co-Founder, Tara Jacobsen, was a finalist in the Women Changing the World Global Awards for Woman in Adult Education and Training and Small Business of the Year.
This global recognition, supported by the Duchess of York and presented by Dr. Tererai Trent, honours women who are changing the world in big and small ways, inspiring change, and taking action. These awards celebrate those committed to the elevation and inclusion of women in their organisations, working to empower women and girls. The winners were announced in London on 3 April 2025, with finalists joining from around the world.
For Tara, this isn’t just about recognition. It’s about the impact. “This recognition is incredible, and I’m deeply grateful to be included alongside so many inspiring women from all over the world,” says Tara. “But more than that, it strengthens my determination to continue my work, empowering young people, particularly girls and young women to discover their passions, develop their skills, and create meaningful careers. I am committed to building a future where education sparks curiosity, embraces creativity, and fosters resilience.”
The transition from school to the workforce is tough. Traditional pathways can feel outdated or disconnected from real careers. Many young people feel lost, uncertain about their next step. Tara has dedicated over 25 years to supporting young people and those in regional communities, helping them discover their passions and build sustainable businesses, ultimately helping these communities thrive.
Her passion for innovation comes from experience. As a mother and stepmother to four teenagers and young adults, she saw firsthand how rigid schooling could be. One of her daughters, eager to explore creativity and entrepreneurship, struggled to find a pathway that fit. So, Tara built one. Knoei Colab became a space for young people to experiment, create, and develop practical skills. “The world isn’t asking for perfect exams or test scores. It’s asking for thinkers, doers, and problem-solvers,” says Tara.
Being recognised on the global stage is an honour, but for Tara, the real reward is seeing a young person light up when they realise their potential. “If we give young people the freedom to explore, make mistakes, and try again, we’re setting them up for lifelong success. That’s what matters most.”
At the heart of Tara’s commitment to improving how we educate young people is a desire to shift the way we view learning and teaching. “Education should be about more than just getting through the curriculum,” says Tara. “It’s about setting young people up with the skills they need to thrive, not just now, but well into the future. We need to arm them with the tools to tackle challenges, adapt to change, and not feel lost when things get hard.”
Tara believes that giving young people opportunities to try new things, be exposed to new industries, and test out their skills and passions is essential. “The more we let young people experiment, explore, and make mistakes, the more they’ll discover where their joy lies,” she explains. “This is how we help them find their path and empower them to thrive, not only for themselves but for the communities they are part of.”
At Groei Education, we couldn’t be prouder. Tara isn’t just leading in education, she’s changing it, one young person at a time.
